The Iron Claw

There's a high likelihood that The Iron Claw is my last review of 2023 seeing as how The Holdovers is stubbornly not coming down in rental price (ain't going to pay $20 for a rental). And as I potentially close out each year, it's always exciting to end on a high note. 

And man, The Iron Claw certainly isn't a "high" note emotionally, but is a definite high note from a film perspective. 

Going into The Iron Claw blind is important because I believe the majority of the general population probably doesn't know a whole lot about the world of wrestling's beginnings and/or the Von Erich family. The trailers also sell a more generic sports tale than what you're in for, in classic A24 fashion. 

Really my only issue with The Iron Claw, before I begin heaping praise on it, is that in some ways its quite traditional. Particularly in the first half of the movie, we're placed in the world of this family trying to make a big name for themselves in wrestling outside the confines of Texas. It's strictly only "good" during this time and feels borderline forgettable, aside from the superb cast and performances. Even the filmmaking is a bit routine...nothing feels inherently special, even if the story is mildly interesting. 

What happens in the second half of the movie is a distinct shift into tragedy where I'll keep my synopsis as light as possible. Suffice it to say, the tone is much different - almost bordering on exhaustion - as this family suffers through a lot. In this back half, the film becomes fantastic, hooking myself and my entire audience through to some beautiful ending moments. It's not quite an example of "a tale of two movies" as it's still a sports/family drama and the filmmaking is good, sometimes great, but consistent throughout. Yet, there's enough of a turn in my mind that The Iron Claw will likely age as a first-half vs. second-half film over time. 

And before I end this short review, I'd be a fool not to mention the stellar performances all across the board, while highlighting a couple. Holt McCallany brings his usual earnestness and fits the role of commanding father while Jeremy Allen White is a thoughtful brother who seems to genuinely care. Zac Efron is the star and it's the best performance of his career. As someone who has always enjoyed him, I couldn't be happier for what feels like a massive stepping stone for him; he shows immense range for a character that must deal with a lot. Oh...and g*d damn! is he jacked/ripped/yoked for this role! Good for him, all around. 

The Iron Claw definitely took me by surprise as I was initially only interested in it because of the A24 brand and Efron's lead role. Part generic sports film and part jaw-dropping family drama, it's a sneaky movie that you shouldn't research beforehand, but be prepared for how much it throws at you. 

Rapid Rath's Review Score | 8.5/10